Thai Food Land of Smile Olivette Missouri

When it comes to restaurants, there are a few hidden gems out there. All too often we tend to gravitate to the known, chain restaurants like Applebees and Ruby Tuesdays. And while those choices do serve up a fairly good menu, their flavors all have a tendency to sort of meld together into one after awhile. You have to look a little harder to find those places that are just off the beaten path. They are those places that are located in strip malls, or in the middle of nowhere off rural highways. Places you may drive by and not think much of at first glance. But when you do find them, you want to make a note of them and go back to them often.

The Land of Smile Thai restaurant in Olivette, Missouri is one of those hidden gems in my opinion, and very well worth a visit if you should be in Olivette, Missouri, off I-170 a few miles outside of the St. Louis area. Land of Smile offers up a very full menu of items, and while Thai cuisine is this restaurant's main menu item, there are a variety of many popular Chinese and other Asian offerings to choose from as well. It's a menu that will certainly satisfy anyone's tastes.

One of the more popular flavors here is the Phad Thai which is absolutely fantastic. It's a simple dish that is surprisingly loaded with flavor. Phad Thai is basically a combination of rice noodles, meat, egg, green onions, loads of bean sprouts, and ground peanuts in a sweet and sour tamarind sauce. My wife ordered up this one and I have to say her reaction with the constant "mmm" sounds seemed to sum it up for me that she really enjoyed this dish. The price is as spectacular as the cuisine at just $8.95. Let me simply state you will not walk away hungry. This plate is very full.

Of course, we had a few appetizers while we were there as well, and all were delectable treats to be sure. The crab rangoon was not too sweet, but filled to the hilt. I've eaten many a crab rangoon in my time, it being one of my favorite Asian treats, but these were filled with more creamy goodness than any other crab rangoons I've had. We also had fried spring rolls we dipped in a sweet and sour sauce they make on site, and also fresh rolls, basically a fresh rice paper wrap with shrimp, vermicelli, carrot, cucumber, and basil. This little gem comes with a sweet black soy sauce which is also made right there at the Land of Smile. These are priced just right as well, at just $3.95 and $4.25 respectively.

For myself I ordered up a more traditional Asian dish, Iron Beef, which was as good as anything else at the table that day. Iron Beef is basically stir fried beef with carrots, onions, green peppers, and cabbage served on a hot pan that arrives at the table sizzling in a beautifully delicious broth. Served up with a side of steamed white rice, mixing the rice in with the broth helps one to really appreciate all of the flavor going on, on this platter.

The Land of Smile also has many beverage choices. I personally enjoyed a Chang beer, imported from Thailand which, to me, was very similar in taste as Kirin Ichiban. Still, it has enough stand alone flavor to not be confused. It was a very good beer.

Service was also very well conducted. Our food was served hot, and fast. How they get the food to table so quick is beyond me, but whatever it is they do, it works. In the land of tipdom, this restaurant's service definitely warrants a 20% tip, which for me is a rare offering.

All said, this was a restaurant I will definitely visit again the next time I happen to be in Olivette Missouri. If you'll be in the area, it's one worth looking for. You won't be disappointed.

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Author

Springboard 7 years agofrom Wisconsin

Honey duck barbeque sounds delicious. I may have to try that on my next visit if it is on the menu—which now I have to check. Thanks for stopping by.

TINA V 7 years ago

It was an acquaintance who first introduced me to Thai foods. We tried some Asian buffet when we went to Las Vegas. The things I like best were Pad Thai, the Thai Ice Tea and the Honey Duck Barbeque. Great!

Author

Springboard 7 years agofrom Wisconsin

Haven't had Thai buffet yet, but now that you mention it I probably won't. :) Chinese buffets tend to be, to me, less than the real article as well.

Micky Dee 7 years ago

Thai food is the best I've ever tasted. I've eaten Thai in Bangkok, Amsterdam, and a few in the US. It's the best in my opinion. I even lived with a Thai for a while- wonderful food. Amazing how they can do so much with a simple meal. Some of the best food I ever had was wrapped in brown paper (take out) in Bangkok. I would say though if you've had a so so meal with a "buffet" - don't do that buffet thing. Order from the menu.

Habee, I'd agree. Though Chinese still ranks #1 for me on the Asian thing. I know, how cliché, right? lol

Holle Abee 7 years agofrom Georgia

Yum! Thai food rocks!

prettydarkhorse 7 years agofrom US

my favorite Asian type of food, I love thai noodles too, Maita

Author

Springboard 7 years agofrom Wisconsin

It was definitely a treat. :)

Andrea 7 years agofrom Italy

I don't know if I'll ever have a chance to get there, but definitely I'd like to after having read this hub. Rated up and useful. :)

Author

Springboard 7 years agofrom Wisconsin

BJBenson, mom and pops are the best. Chains get old sometimes.

Carolina Muscle, coconut milk. Hmmm. Interesting.

Tom, tried some of my wife's and it was. A very unique flavor profile...but deliciously unique.

Sis, Pad see who? lol. Sorry. You know me. I couldn't resist the pun. Not sure I've ever had Chinese broccoli, but I'm always up to trying new things. As for the Lebanese food I'm curious as well...I'll have to check around and see if we have any Lebanese restaurants around here.

jdunbar 7 years ago

Couldn't agree more! I love Thai food and its a rarity that we find the little places that are truly authentic. We have a couple Thai places on the Illinois side but definitely not the same. I usually order Pad see ew, which is fried noodles with broccoli, choice of meat, egg and a delicious sauce. Land of Smile makes theirs with Chinese broccoli, which is a bit different and way better. Loved it!

One more thing.. I noticed one of your commenters mentioned Lebanese food. Its got Tim and I very curious! Maybe we'll give that a try next time your out! :)

Tom Whitworth 7 years agofrom Moundsville, WV

Jim,

I have never had Phad Thai, but intend to try it as soon as possible. You make it sound quite yummy!!!!!!!!!

Good hub!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

carolina muscle 7 years agofrom Charlotte, North Carolina

I usually get Pad Thai or the Yellow Curry in Coconut Milk-- yum!!!

BJBenson 7 years agofrom USA

I always like food that is from a mom and pop place. While living overseas it was wonderful because most places are like that. I don't think on our drive across country we will be going this way. It sounds great.

Author

Springboard 7 years agofrom Wisconsin

Eovery, I never really ate much of it myself. But it's definitely a treat IMO. Seems Thai cuisine is becoming more popular these days as there seems to be a growing trend toward more spicy tastes, and Thai certainly incorporates an extra dose of heat in many of their dishes. I've seen more Thai restaurants lately than ever before.

Sheila, it gives me a good excuse to eat. :) Great to see you here.

Dreamreachout, I LOVE food. Never had Lebanese, so I may have to look around and see if I can find one.

dreamreachout 7 years ago

I now know for sure that you are just as foodie as me!! Lol!! Try out Lebanese cuisine sometimes if you can and though its spicy, its awesome!!

Thanks for the great foodie hub!!

sheila b. 7 years ago

I really enjoy reading your restaurant reviews.

eovery 7 years agofrom MIddle of the Boondocks of Iowa

Thai, I have never eaten it, but sound good.

Keep on hubbing!

Author

Springboard 7 years agofrom Wisconsin

I will see what I can do. :)

Hello, hello, 7 years agofrom London, UK

I love all that kind of food and if I ever get there will be there. Have you booked a table?

Author

Springboard 7 years agofrom Wisconsin

Sandy, thanks. :)

Drbj, hmm, that franchise idea presents an interesting idea. Perhaps if the owner would ever be looking to expand...it's something I'd probably throw a few bucks at. One never knows. There certainly aren't many Thai franchise concepts.

Pamela, well worth it. Thanks for stopping in.

Pamela Oglesby 7 years agofrom United States

Springboard, That sounds like a great restaurant and I would love to try the food. Great hub.

drbj and sherry 7 years agofrom south Florida

After that mouth-watering review, Springboard, I can't wait until dinner so I can go out and find a Thai restaurant offering some of those same dishes. I know they probably won't taste as good but I can't make it to MO today.

Do you think the owners would be interested in franchising their place in FL? Really sounds like a winner.